Has Sadbhavna Yatra helped Modi to connect with the Muslims?

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's Sadbhavna Yatra was an attempt to establish a connevt with the minority community. Time has arrived to test how much he has succeeded.

"I think I found many positives in BJP. A footsoldier in the BJP is doing much better than a Congress MLA or a MP," said Asifa Khan, a former journalist and a Congress member who defected to the BJP. Khan has been busy campaigning for the BJP in Bharuch City.

Establishing a connect. PTI

"I think Muslims are winning and they will do much better," she said.

Modi launched his Sadbhavna Yatra last year.

"There is lot of development under Modi. He is working for the state and the nation. That is why we decided to support him," said Mehboob Ali Baba, a Sufi leader from Surat, who has been a regular in these events.

But not all are convinced by Modi.

"This Sadbhavna Yatra is a sham. No Muslims can ever side with Modi or the BJP. Some Muslims have sided with Modi for personal interest," said Shamshad Pathan, lawyer of the victims of Naroda Patiya.

Congress leader Farooq Sheikh said, "You have to notice that there is not a single Muslim candidate from the BJP in Gujarat."

The state votes on 13 and 17 December in a two-phase poll. The counting is scheduled on 20 December.